The Barrow Group

I don’t hate The Barrow Group, but I want to balance out some of the feedback here since I spent a good amount of time with these people. The theater, which only produces a few plays per year that usually star its founder, Seth Barrish, primarily makes money off its acting classes. Fine. But their pitch is that it’s a safe environment – professional, but laid back and encouraging.
One of the teachers, Lorrel Manning, targeted me personally in class, making inappropriate comments almost every week. He also spent a lot of class time talking about his personal life and the things that were bothering him at any given moment. I’d guess about a quarter of each class was spent on Lorrel’s «me time».
The various classes themselves were irregular in their helpfulness. Sometimes I learned something great. Other times I thought, «What is this stuff?» FYI, that stuff – some useful, some not – is all written down in a book by the theater founder, and they highly encourage you to buy it. You’ll see Seth around the building a lot. He will avoid making eye contact with you, even if you have actually met and talked.
There are some nice people. I had a very nice, but inexperienced teacher, and Lee Brock is a lovely person. But no matter how lovely Lee is, a lot of students – and even teachers and other employees – are nasty and competitive, despite the «safe place» mantra. Overall my experience with them was neither positive nor safe: getting harassed as a student, and working with one of their «productions». I put it in quotes because it was the most unprofessional, amateurish theater disaster I’ve ever had. Horrifying doesn’t begin to describe it. I’ve worked with more professional people in a warehouse, or any hole-​in-​the-​wall theater.
Their environment as a «theater» company is pretty standard. People who hang around and kiss butt are the ones working with the productions, but ultimately they end up being teachers (again, since they only do a few plays a year, and they’re not working as actors). And despite making *bank* off their classes, there’s a lot of sighing and «oh well”-ing about how the company can’t pay people who work on their few productions, even if the hours required are insane.
In short, don’t drink the kool aid. They’re not perfect. They’re just a hit or miss acting school with a small number of irregularly working actors and one success story (Anne Hathaway – they bring her up a lot). If you’re going to do the classes, try to work with Lee. And if you get into one of their shows, keep your expectations very low.

The best place to be in New York if you are a actor that is either just starting out or an actor who has been performing professionally for years. Seth and Lee are such joys to be around. The way they teach is bind blowing because of how simple everything they have to offer is. I cant get enough of the barrow group! So glad I am able to study here!

I knew right away the Barrow Group was special… Lee Brock and Seth Barrish are master teachers and have put together a top-​notch staff. High quality, affordable, and focused on a unique aesthetic and technique, I highly recommend the Barrow Group both for serious actors polishing their craft and novices who want to establish a solid foundation for their careers.

Very small off Broadway theater the does short run new plays and hosts play festivals. 3 rd floor has elevator to get to the theater. Abington theater is in same bldg on first floor. Every seat in theater has good view.

The Barrow Group school has been a lovely experience, and so much fun. Another reviewer said he felt at home here – and that is exactly why I am here, learning to be the best actor I can be in an environment that works for me. I’ve had Lee, Seth and Chris as instructors, loved them all, and I plan to keep checking in with Barrow as I move forward with my career.

I was part of TBG’s 1 year Apprentice Program with Lee Brock & Seth Barrish, came back for Auditioning with Chris Bell, and now I’m back for Scene Study II with Seth.
As far as I’ve found, TBG classes are the best quality for your bucks. Emphasis on letting go of tricks and letting honest, simple storytelling take the stage. The teachers make you feel safe and open to drop habits.
The apprentice class requires an audition, and advanced classes require introductory classes. This makes for a refreshingly level playing field in the classroom.
Be prepared to spend extra time working outside the classroom on scenes, monologues etc.
If you’re unsure about TBG being the right school for you, definitely check out one of their productions and see their performance theory in action. Or just go see a show! They’re quite riveting.
I love the intimacy of their studio theater (and a kitchen with a real working sink, guys!), and their larger theater is still cozy with good views of the stage no matter where you sit.
They also offer studio rental for rehearsal. Apprentices and office volunteers keep the spaces tidy.
Tip: If you want to take a class but it’s out of your price range, email or call em up and ask about their work-​study program. ;)

No idea why The Barrow Group doesn’t have a review yet but I’ll add one. I’ve taken both Beginner I and II at this school and have loved both classes. I plan on trying to take two more advanced classes in 2015.
If you have no acting experience, this is a great school to start with as the teachers insist on creating a safe environment for students to learn in. As an example, my teacher in Beginner I set the boundary that we could say what was different between takes but that the words «like» or «dislike» were not permitted.
It’s a subtle shift in language but makes all the difference in putting people at ease.
Will I win my Tony or Academy Award with their training? No idea but I certainly won’t win anything with no training and I feel at home in their studios. So, thanks Barrow!

Been taking classes for a while now it’s a great acting school! I really enjoy classes with Chris Wells and Lee Brock. Simplistic approach to acting, using conversation before starting scenes etc. works well!

this is one of the most supportive acting communities around. beginning with a warm and friendly environment, the teachers (whether seth and lee, the artistic directors, or one of their guest teachers, barbara, stephen, or ron) never insult their students intelligence or «put them down». they have an excellent way of communicating with students from any and all acting backgrounds, and turning the least experienced actors into brilliant actors.
many consider tbg their home away from home. that might be all you need to know.